Average Salary for California State University - Northridge (CSUN) Alumni

When it comes to ROI, California State University, a school located in Northridge, Calif., with around 31,000 students, ranks in the top 27 percent of universities — students enjoy incredible value for their tuition dollars. Figures cited in this summary are based on graduates' replies to PayScale's salary questionnaire.

Industry

CSUN alumni belong to a wide range of sectors. A few fields in which grads tend to find work include the health care industry, the manufacturing industry, and the arts, entertainment, and recreation industry. The aerospace and defense industry is the sector most highly represented among alumni. Former CSUN graduates tend to bring in $58K.

Gender

There is a sizable difference between men's post-college salaries and women's: the median for the former is approximately $74K, but the median for the latter is only $59K.

Jobs

CSUN grads who become Corporate Controllers garner financial rewards beyond any other job type for this group — these alumni rake in $90K annually. However, Financial Controllers and Software Engineers also rank as top-earners (bringing in around $86K and about $78K, respectively). Sitting at the bottom of the pay scale are Executive Assistants, making an average of $48K.

Locations

A large number of students head to Los Angeles after college. CSUN grads also flock to Valencia, which is home to salaries significantly above average (typical pay is $78K). The city with the lowest median paycheck frequented by CSUN alumni is Santa Monica, where earnings average around $56K. CSUN alumni express interest in nearby Woodland Hills and Burbank as well.

Employers

The Boeing Company is the top-paying employer among CSUN graduates with an average salary of $107K. Low on the list of moneymaking companies (typical salaries reach approximately $65K), Kaiser Permanente remains to be a popular spot for students after school.

Degree Major

A Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (CS) earns CSUN students the most money after college ($106K per year). The degree that warrants the lowest level of financial compensation is a B.A. in Radio/Television & Film Production (about $45K annually).

Skills

Many CSUN grads have knowledge of Microsoft Excel, with nearly one in seven alumni using this program on the clock. Financial Analysis commands a pay premium of 25 percent for former Matadors. Experience with Microsoft Office, Project Management, and Customer Service is highly valued as well.

Benefits and Perks

Only about two-fifths of alumni enjoy paid vacation and one-third of alumni receive sick leave. Most former students take advantage of a 401(k) plan. It is no small feat that a fair portion of grads are given health coverage, and a majority of former students accept dental insurance. Other benefits awarded to California State University alumni include life insurance, a casual working environment, a company-subsidized cell phone, and tuition reimbursement.

Related Schools

California State University grads report the most similar salaries to CSUN alums, earning $58K on average. Other schools similar to CSUN include California State University-Los Angeles, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona, and California State University-Dominguez Hills.